Quick Links

tips&techniques c o n t i n u e d 16 in. 16 in. 16 in. Instead of building overdesigned soffits with dozens Wall Simplify ceiling-strapping installation We were preparing to hang a drywall ceiling from rough, unplaned joists. The chalklines for the strapping were virtually illegible. Our alternative method for laying out strapping worked so well that we now use it for any ceiling joists. We made a pair of T-shaped supports with notches to position the 1x4 strapping. We marked the supports for the starter course on the wall. After a few boards were up, we flipped the supports and went to the opposite wall. We checked lines at 4 ft. and 8 ft. on center to ensure good backing at the drywall seams. —DavID epsteIn West Hartford, Conn. of short 2x4s on 16-in. centers, I turn the 16-in.-wide bay on its side. First, I nail a single 2x to the ceiling, followed by a single 2x nailed to the wall, as shown in the drawing (below left). Then I use drywall screws to attach a 2x4 along the bottom edge of the piece of drywall that will hang vertically. To finish the soffit, I screw the horizontal piece of drywall to the wall 2x and the corner 2x4. No intermediate framing is required, not even at a drywall butt joint. I finish the outside corner with paper-faced metal corner bead bedded in Easy Sand 45 joint compound—no screws or nails necessary. If the ceiling nailer runs parallel with the ceiling joists, I attach it to the ceiling with toggle bolts and construction adhesive. —Dan LeBeau Berwyn, Ill. Window-trim alignment block The drawing below shows the tool I use to align the edge of a window apron with the casing above the sill. I take a scrap of 1x (in this case, a piece of baseboard stock) about 10 in. long. With a jigsaw, I cut a U-shape 1. Hold alignment block against jamb casing. 1. Attach 2x nailer to ceiling joists. 3. Cut vertical drywall to size, screw corner 2x4 to bottom edge, then screw assembly to ceiling 2x. 2. Attach 2x nailer to wall. Sill 4. Screw horizontal drywall to wall 2x, then corner 2x. 24-in. maximum 2. Butt apron against block, and nail. Easy soffits If you don’t need soffits sturdy enough to carry a structural load, such as cabinets, this technique might be for you. It’s especially suited to remodelers who do both framing and drywall work. 24 FINE HOMEBUILDING out of the middle of one edge. To align the apron, I press the tool against the jamb casing with the U going around the overhang of the sill. I slide the apron over until it meets the bottom of the tool, and then I drive a quick nail to hold it in position. —BILLy McGraW south yarmouth, Mass.